Side Effects of Voltarol
Voltarol is a prescription strength medication that is used to treat pain and inflammation. The active ingredient in Voltarol is diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac potassium is also available in the United States and across the globe under the name Voltaren. Some negative side effects may be experienced while using Voltarol. A doctor should be consulted before using this medication.
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Function
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Voltarol is in a class of medicines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs are employed to relieve pain as well as inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins. According to netdoctor.co.uk, "Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation."
Uses
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There are several applications for this medication. It is most widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; ankylosing spondylitis, which is arthritis that affects spinal joints; acute gout, periarthritis or frozen shoulder, tendinitis, sprains, fractures, lower back pain and pain and inflammation following dental surgery, as well as pain relief from migraines.
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Side Effects
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There are several side effects that have been linked to Voltarol use. Some common side effects associated with Voltarol use include, but are limited to, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, excess gas, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, vertigo, skin rashes, drowsiness, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fluid retention and ringing in the ears. Some people may have allergic reactions to the ingredients in Voltarol. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes, narrowing of the airways and swelling of the tongue, lips and throat.
Warnings
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Using this medication may impair a person's ability to safely drive or operate machinery. NSAIDs such as Voltarol are known to cause ulceration, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal lining in rare cases. Diclofenac use may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke especially when taken in higher doses. A doctor should be consulted before taking this medication if a person has risk factors for stroke or heart disease.
Interactions
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Certain medications and supplements may have a negative reaction when used with Voltarol. Voltarol should not be used in combination with other painkillers or NSAIDs, as they may increase the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects. The risk of ulceration or bleeding from the gut is increased when this medication is taken with corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Anti-blood-clotting medicines, anti-platelet medicines and certain antidepressants may also increase the risk of bleeding from the gut when taken with Voltarol.
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